The Finocchiaro CLP Government will take action to tackle antisocial behaviour and claw back $39 million in rent arrears by introducing public housing reform this week.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington said the reform would strengthen policy and review legislation to deal with antisocial behaviour, serious incidents of crime, tenancy termination and debt management.
"Our changes will empower our staff to refine processes to deal with anti-social behaviour, tenancy termination and excessive rent debt, ensuring these matters are well-prepared, supported by strong evidence and align with legislative requirements," he said.
Mr Edgington said over the next six months, actions for public housing reform include:
Strengthening policy to fast-track pathways to eviction.Full review of the visitor management, tenancy management and Red Card policy.Debt management policy reform.Review of the Housing Act 1982 to align with community expectationsMaking recommendations to the Attorney General's office for the Residential Tenancies Act 1999 to also align with community expectations.
"The CLP has said 2025 will be a year of action, certainty and security and this includes making public housing safer," said Mr Edgington.
"The CLP Government is fully aware that antisocial behaviour and serious incidents of crime in public housing have risen to an unacceptable level, as has the accumulated rental arrears debt of more than $39 million.
"Public housing tenants, who caused repeated disturbances, threatened their neighbours, threatened each other and blatantly disregarded community standards with drunken screaming and yelling and fighting and criminal behaviour, were allowed to remain in public housing with little to no repercussions under Labor."
Examples of antisocial behaviour included a tenancy with 62 Red Card demerit points who were relocated to a three-bedroom house in May 2024. Since then, 158 reports of antisocial behaviour have been recorded for this tenancy.
Meanwhile, the percentage of complaints where anti-social behaviour was substantiated dropped by more than half from 48% in 2019-2020 to 22% in 2022-2023.
Mr Edgington labelled the current state of rental arrears across the Territory Public Housing portfolio as "appalling".
"Since Cabinet (at the time) waived the entire remote rent debt balance of $69.71 million on 7 December 2021, Housing is now carrying accumulated rental arrears debt of over $39 million," he said.
"There are 1,422 tenancies across the full urban Northern Territory Public Housing portfolio which have accumulated debt of over $10,000 with the highest debt at $40,000."
The public housing reform would ensure legislation and policies were tightened and enforced properly with tenants held accountable and provided with clearer expectations.
Key target areas include:
Increasing powers of Public Housing Safety Officers (PHSO) under the Housing Act 1982. Strengthening the Red Card Policy to align accountability for excessive rent debts, untidy yards, property damage and ongoing antisocial behaviour. Strengthening the capacity for the CEO (Housing) to swiftly deal with multiple and serious breaches of tenancy agreements.A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NT Police and/or the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to improve complaints/mandatory reporting processes and compliance activities.Working with the Fines Recovery Unit and/or NT Police to develop procedures for PHSOs to enforce infringements.Introduction of statutory breach notices to manage antisocial behaviour.Updating the Tenant Damage Policy.
"These changes send a clear message: antisocial behaviour and unpaid rent won't be tolerated," said Mr Edgington.
"There will be no more slaps on the wrist. No more sympathy without safeguards.
"We understand some tenants face challenges, but balance is needed - accountability must be restored for the wellbeing of all Territorians and community security and safety.
"The time for excuses and rolling out the red carpet for repeat offenders is over."
